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Ambulance Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2019

Thursday, 28 February 2019

Ceisteanna (167)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

167. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there may be a culture of bullying and-or harassment within the national Ambulance Service. [10133/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am clear that bullying or harassment in any workplace must not be tolerated and any such instance must be addressed in accordance with the appropriate grievance and disciplinary policy and procedures.

The Health Service, including the National Ambulance Service, recognises the right of all employees to be treated with dignity and respect and is committed to ensuring that all employees are provided with a safe working environment which is free from all forms of bullying, sexual harassment and harassment. Workplace bullying and harassment adversely affect the quality of patient/client care by undermining employee morale and can result in absenteeism, stress-related illnesses and higher turnover of staff.

A Dignity at Work Policy for the Health Service is in place. This policy was produced on a partnership basis by a Working Group comprising representatives from the HSE, Voluntary Hospitals and Intellectual Disability sectors, HSE-Employers Agency, IBEC and the health sector trade unions.

This Policy covers sexual harassment and harassment as outlawed by the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2008 and workplace bullying and reflects the experiences of both employers and union representatives in dealing with complaints of bullying and harassment.

I can advise that the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is developing anti bullying work place initiatives in line with the Positive Workplace Programme and bespoke sessions for the service are currently in development. Staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives and programmes are ongoing in the NAS as part of 'Healthy Ireland' including significant focus on staff health initiatives such as mental wellbeing, physical activity, health checks and improving the workplace environment.

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